Many see Rick Pollitt as the main protagonist in the political charade that has put the County's property tax revenue cap in real jeopardy with the willing assistance of Norm Conway, Rudy Cane and the Daily Times. But the real culprit may be R. Wayne Strausburg, who is Pollitt's new head honcho at the Government Office Building.
Do you recall that big debate at S. U. with Joe Ollinger, the clear loser, last year, when Strausburg promoted higher tax rates in Wicomico County? And is Mr. S. the architect of the ploy that may result in a higher "piggyback" income tax on Wicomico County residents next year? He also promoted that at the big event.
Back then this blog sent a storm warning, but now it may be too late to ride out the tempest if you haven't headed for safer water in Sussex County. Although Strausburg is no longer on the County's charter review committee, which he headed until he was hired by Pollitt last year, his influence with that body continues, so sometime soon the County Council may not need to override the tax cap to extract more revenue from Wicomico County's residents.
To be sure, the County needs the money -- Strausburg's salary and the special pension payout that goes to his predecessor, Ted Shea, must be at least $200,000 if not $250,000 annually. But, then, someone has to do the job that Pollitt was elected and is paid to do.
anonymous
Wicomico County: you have been warned, again!
